Summary and conclusion
The power supply achieves a higher overall performance than the PN550D, which uses a more modern platform (CWT: GPW). Since I only had two 550W PSUs in my database that met the ATX v3.1 transient response tests, I had to include several 650W PSUs in the chart.
Deepcool’s PL-D series is the first series to offer very affordable ATX v3.1 power supplies for the masses. It utilizes an older Helly platform with a double-forward topology that was popular a few years ago when most power supplies were still rated Bronze. By today’s standards, Bronze and Silver efficiency levels are low, with many Gold PSUs sold at reasonable prices and available from a variety of brands and manufacturers. The problem is that ATX v3.x compatibility still comes at a premium. It is therefore nice to see that low-cost ATX v3.1 devices are now being offered by a major brand, as this is sure to encourage other brands to follow suit.
To keep costs down, the PL-D cases do not have modular cables, which helps a lot when setting up the system. The quality of the solder joints inside is good, but the components are not from well-known manufacturers to save money. Still, Deepcool seems to believe in the reliability of this platform, otherwise it wouldn’t back it with a five-year warranty.
The PL550D passes the rigorous ATX v3.1 tests, where up to 200% of the PSU’s maximum current load is applied, but it doesn’t meet the 60%+ efficiency requirement, which means it doesn’t get an ATX v3.1 badge. I have asked Deepcool to fix this and send two samples for retesting. Who says a reviewer’s life is easy? In addition, the lower bypass time of less than 17ms also prevents this unit from receiving an ATX v3.0 badge, as this specification requires a bypass time of at least 17ms, a requirement that has been relaxed in the ATX v3.1 specification, which only requires 12ms bypass time. Finally, the 600W setting of the PSU’s 12 2-pin connector is really crazy considering that the maximum output of the unit is only 550W!
In terms of performance, load regulation is very good on all rails, as the power supply’s low capacitance and native cables help with this. In addition, the ripple suppression is good and the 12V rail keeps its voltage at a reasonable level even with increased transient load. Due to the outdated design, the average efficiency is not high, but the unit still achieves a Cybenetics Silver efficiency rating. Deepcool quotes a price of €49 in Europe, which is pleasingly low even for a “basic” 550W unit.
A note on the Chengx capacitors on the primary and secondary side of this device: don’t be afraid of them and think they are junk per se. The quality and performance of Chinese capacitors has improved enormously in recent years. Chengx also manufactures capacitors for several big names in the industry, including well-known Japanese capacitor brands. Just check out my review tests if you want to hear facts and not just rumors about capacitor performance.
Another thing I want to mention here is the ATX specification that this unit is compliant with. Deepcool does mention ATX v3.0, but since it uses native cables, it can automatically meet ATX v3.1 requirements if the platform is set to achieve over 60% efficiency at 2% load. There are no changes to the 12VHPWR or 12V-2×6 cable; only the 12 4-pin headers are changed on the power supplies they have on their modular panels and the graphics cards. This means that power supplies that use a pair of 8-pin headers, or those with native cables that already meet ATX v3.0 requirements, will automatically be upgraded to ATX v3.1.
I’ve already spoken to Deepcool about this, and they told me that the marketing material and badges in the next production batch will carry the ATX v3.1 badge. They should also use the appropriate Cybenetics badges.
| The most affordable 550W power supply that meets ATX v3.1 performance requirements Delivers full power at 47°C Good soldering quality Low inrush currents Correctly adjusted 12V OCP Highly efficient 5VSB rail Low standby power Compatible with alternative power saving mode (ALPM) HDB-labeled fan (from an unknown brand) Sufficient cables and plugs, including the 12V2x6 plug (12 2-pin, 600 W) Five year warranty |
OCP trigger points must be set on the side rails. OPP trip points must be set The 600W setting for the 12 2-pin connector on the device is insane! Under 60% efficiency at 2% load (which costs the ATX v3.1 compatibility badge) Noisy operation Outdated platform Inefficient design, especially at low load APFC converter must be optimized for higher PF values Mediocre transient response, especially at 3.3 V ATX cable should be 600 mm long Short distance (100-105 mm) between the peripheral connections |
Many thanks to Aris, whose data I can and will continue to use in the future if readers request such power supply tests.
The original appeared on hwbusters.com
DeepCool PL-D Series PL550D 550W ATX 3.0 (R-PL550D-FC0B-EU)
 | Lagernd im Versandlager - Lieferzeit 2-5 Werktage | 43,30 €*Stand: 16.07.24 08:28 |
 | Auf Lager | 48,90 €*Stand: 16.07.24 08:27 |
 | Alsdorf: bei Vorbestellung in ca. 24h - 48h lagerndVersandlager: lagerndStand: 16.07.24 07:45 | 51,90 €*Stand: 16.07.24 07:54 |
- 1 - Intro, overview und technical data
- 2 - Unboxing, cables and protection features
- 3 - Teardown: Topology, components and craftmanship
- 4 - Load Regulation, ripple suppression
- 5 - Transient response
- 6 - Hold-Up time, timings, inrush current
- 7 - Efficiency, PF and vampire power
- 8 - Noise and fan curves
- 9 - Summary and conclusion
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